Turbine-Tuning Trainer Gets New Gear

Wind power is the fastest growing energy source in the world, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That’s no guarantee that a job will be waiting for you if you spend the time and money to train to work in the industry, but it might be an inducement to ponder the possibilities. And those who want to give it a shot can apparently learn the industry’s cutting-edge technologies in Denver, Colo., at the Ecotech Institute, which has announced new additions to its Wind Training Lab and Wind Safety Lab.

Both additions will be completed and ready to use before the first class graduates from the two-year program at Ecotech, which was founded in April 2010. For the Wind Training Lab, Ecotech said it has purchased a generator trainer, fiber optic splicing kit, Lab-Volt Wine Turbine Nacelle Trainer and a number of wind farm simulation software packages. Meanwhile, at the Wind Safety Lab, students will be able to make use of a 25-foot climb and rescue tower, rescue dummies, harnesses and lanyards and escape devices. Newly added will be a TorcUP torque and tension trainer.

image via Ecotech Institute

“The integrated systems approach offered by LabVolt’s Wind Turbine Training Simulators provide a very realistic view of the functionality and programming of a large, commercial wind turbine,” Shawn Lamb, program director at Ecotech Institute, said in a statement. “These are leading-edge technologies that effectively prepare students and get them excited about going into the field.”

The Ecotech Institute boasts that it is the only college entirely focused on preparing individuals for careers in renewable energy sectors. The school’s Wind Energy Technology program consists of an associate’s degree where students learn about the generation and transmission of energy using wind power. You can find out more about the Institutes Wind Program on the Ecotech website.

Kristy Hessman is a writer and native Oregonian who currently resides in California. Before starting her own company, she worked as a reporter covering business and politics for daily newspapers and The Associated Press.

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